Bobby Reed Matthews

Robert 'Bobby' Reed Matthews, age 68, died Friday, June 16, 2017 at his residence. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 on Tuesday, June20 in the chapel at Belk Funeral Home. Burial will take place with full military honors, provided by The Florence Veteran's Honor Guard, in Grove Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:oo until 8:00 at the funeral home. Born March 26, 1949 in Florence, he was the son of the late Jay Matthews and the late Wilma Morris Matthews Coats. Bobby served in the United States Army, 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagles". He was a two year veteran of the Vietnam War, and a recipient of the Purple Heart. Mr. Matthews then went to Lay-Z-Boy and had worked there for thirty-five years at his retirement. "He was a hero to us all. He loved his country with all of his heart. Anyone who met him fell in love with him. He always had a smile, a hug, and a kiss to share." Bobby was a member of Palmetto Street Church of God. He is survived by his wife, Irma R. Matthews, a daughter, Barbara Player and a son Robbie Matthews, all of Florence: grandchildren: Brian Player, Amanda Player, Reed (April) Matthews, Dustin Matthews, Miranda Matthews, Ashley Matthews and great grandchildren: Caleb, Audrey, Bryson, Sarah Grace, Aiden and Levi; brothers: Sonny (Nancy) Matthews of Effingham, Billy Matthews, and Ronnie (Debbie) Matthews, all of Florence; sisters: Margaret (Foster) Sanders, Suzy (Jeff) Toler all of Timmonsville, and Debbie Threadgill of Maggie Valley, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Jesse "PeeWee" Matthews, Pender Matthews, Doug Coats and a sister, Darlene (George) Weatherford.

Visitation

JUN 19. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Belk Funeral Home - Darlington 229 West Broad Street Darlington, SC, 29532

Service

JUN 20. 3:00 PM

Belk Funeral Home - Darlington 229 West Broad Street Darlington, SC, 29532